This Apiaceae has its roots in European folk medicine, and whilst similar in taste to the Illicium Star Anise, it is unrelated and more complex medicinally. The spicy, warm, sweet & fragrant flavour of aniseed is very unique and identifiable. This flavour is a big part of its medicine. It immediately gets to work calming the tissues it touches in the digestive & respiratory systems. The sweet flavour is building, tonifying and nourishing, making it suited for dry and depleted states. The spicy fragrance penetrates whilst the warmth stimulates blood and oxygenation - which means energy to move & detox.
You’ve likely heard of this herb as it’s quite a famous plant that has crossed over to modern medicine beyond the traditions of herbalism. An open minded doctor might even suggest you take Echinacea as an immune stimulant. There are 3 main echinaceas from the Aster family that are mostly used interchangeably, however angustifolia is considered the strongest. It’s popular today as an immune herb, but it was traditionally used in ways I’d like to explore here.
Wormword was one of THE MOST IMPORTANT EUROPEAN HERBS in history. This Asteraceae contains aromatic oils, some toxic, and bitter lactones. It’s now found in North America as well as being native to Asia and Europe and likes to grow on broken landscapes like walls or overrun pastures. It is a very strong herb to work with, that has potent implications on the broken parts of ourselves. Artemisia’s offer an important role in treating malaria throughout the world and are heavily relied upon for this in developing countries that rely on herbs as primary medicine.
This plant originates in Europe, Named after John the Baptist, with its use dating back to the very beginning. It has so many uses, like most plants, so let’s explore its key signatures to understand how to use this plant more simply.
Beyond it being a supreme nervous system restorative, Mucuna has wonderful application for the reproductive system in all bodies. Once again, its oily nature imparts a kind of ‘juiciness’, enhancing libido, boosting fertility and regulating genital secretions.
Mucuna also is wonderful for the digestive system - especially for those who suffer from ‘nervous digestion’ or gut-brain imbalances.
Finally, Mucuna is one of the most abundant plant sources for L-Dopa, the precursor for dopamine. It can help stabilise and regenerate dopamine levels, which makes it a great ally for those seeking to regulate dopamine levels in cases of depression or recovering from addiction.
